The University of Michigan is known for its rigorous admissions process, accepting a highly competitive group of students each year. With its strong academic reputation, interesting mix of students, and world-class faculty, the university attracts over 100,000 applicants from all over the world. However, not every student is immediately accepted or rejected; some have their admission decisions “postponed.” In these instances, the university provides applicants with the option to submit an "Expression of Continued Interest" (ECI) form. Most colleges refer to this as a ”Letter of Continuing Interest.”
At the University of Michigan, the ECI form is a way for applicants to demonstrate their ongoing enthusiasm for attending the university, giving them an additional chance to stand out in the competitive admissions process. This article will explore the purpose and benefits of the Expression of Continued Interest form, how to effectively complete it, and its potential impact on a student’s chances of gaining admission.
What is the Expression of Continued Interest (ECI) Form?
The Expression of Continued Interest (ECI) form is a tool offered by the University of Michigan to applicants whose admission has been postponed. By filling out the ECI form, applicants can express their ongoing enthusiasm for the university and provide additional information that might positively influence their chances of admission. The form must be submitted through the university’s application portal, “Enrollment Connect.” The ECI form contains no more than 250 words, and must be submitted by March 1st. The ECI form is the only way to respond to a decision of “postponed.” Additional information submitted to the University of Michigan in any other manner will not be considered in the admission process.
Why Is the ECI Form Important?
The Expression of Continued Interest (ECI) form serves as an important tool for both the applicants and the admissions office. For applicants, it provides an opportunity to make a case for why they should be admitted from the pool of postponed applicants. For the admissions office, it helps gauge each applicant’s level of interest in the university. Students who submit the form signal their continued commitment to attending the University of Michigan, and can also bolster their qualifications for admission. This can influence the admissions team’s decisions as they make final selections for the incoming class.
There are several key reasons why the ECI form is important:
Provides an Opportunity to Update the Admissions Team: Often, by the time an applicant has been postponed, their academic or extracurricular profile has changed. The ECI form offers a chance to update the admissions committee on any new accomplishments or activities, such as awards, new leadership positions, or volunteer work. This could help the applicant stand out more in a highly competitive pool.
Demonstrates Ongoing Interest: The form allows students to show that they are still very much interested in attending the University of Michigan. Since the admissions office is evaluating postponed students who have already demonstrated strong academic performance, the ECI form provides an additional layer of insight into a student's genuine enthusiasm for the school. Making the affirmative statement that “if admitted, you will attend” shows your strong desire to attend the University of Michigan.
How to Complete the ECI Form Effectively
The Expression of Continued Interest (ECI) form is not just a formality; it is an opportunity to strengthen your application. To make the most of the form, applicants should take care in crafting their responses. Below are some tips for completing the form effectively:
Provide Meaningful Updates: If you have achieved new accomplishments or have made notable progress since submitting your application, include them in the ECI form. For example, if you received an award, started a new project, or made strides in your academic pursuits, state it. This demonstrates that you are continuing to grow and becoming more competitive as an applicant.
Don’t Repeat Items Already In Your Application: Restating your grades, test scores, activities, etc. that you already provided in your application is not helpful. It will waste the reader’s time and suggest there is nothing new you have to report, which can negatively impact your chances for admission. If in fact you don’t have anything in particular to report that is new, at least tell the admissions office that you continue to pursue your academic interests and extracurriculars.
Highlight Any New Occurrences Or Revelations: If you learned something new from a visit to Ann Arbor, virtual or in-person, which shows you why the University of Michigan is the perfect fit for you, share it in your ECI form. If you have been in contact with a professor with whom you connected or learned about a department that greatly interests you but wasn’t mentioned in your application, share it.
Be Sincere: An important aspect of the ECI form is sincerity. Admissions officers can often tell when students are submitting generic or disingenuous responses. Be honest about why you are passionate about attending the University of Michigan, and explain why it is your top choice school – don’t just say it.
Express Enthusiasm: The form is your chance to convey your excitement about the possibility of attending the University of Michigan. Make sure to emphasize how the school fits into your long-term goals and aspirations, and try to show new reasons why you believe it would be the ideal place for you to thrive both academically and personally.
Express What You Would Contribute At The University: The university is interested in what you will gain if you are admitted. But it is also interested in what you will contribute to the university and to campus life. If you will lead a sorority, run a club, participate in club sports, join a choir, or volunteer on campus, write about it in your ECI.
Reaffirm Your Commitment: If you are genuinely committed to attending the University of Michigan if offered admission, make sure to clearly state this in the ECI form. The university wants to know that you are not just interested in securing any spot at a prestigious school, but that Michigan is your preferred choice, your number one choice! Reaffirming your commitment can enhance your chances of being admitted.
Conclusion
While being offered admission to the University of Michigan after being postponed is difficult and unpredictable, the submission of a thoughtful ECI form can positively influence the decision-making process.
Submitting a persuasive Expression of Continuing Interest form can increase a student's chances of being admitted, especially if the student is a strong candidate (1) who can show how their qualifications have evolved since their initial application, (2) who can offer additional compelling reasons for why they are a good fit for the University of Michigan, and (3) and who can strongly express their desire to attend the University of Michigan. By completing the ECI form thoughtfully and sincerely, applicants have the opportunity to strengthen their case for admission and increase their chances of securing a spot in the incoming class. Ultimately, while the process for gaining admission after being postponed is competitive and uncertain, the ECI form provides students with an additional way (and the only way!) to advocate for themselves and their future at the University of Michigan.
At College Choice Counseling® we are expert at helping you prepare a persuasive Expression of Continuing Interest (ECI) form for the University of Michigan. Contact us by completing this contact form: https://www.collegechoicecounseling.com/contact or call us at (248) 294-0099 and we will help you with your ECI.
Our counselors and tutors can also help you with college counseling, college essay and application help, test prep tutoring, and academic subject tutoring. Reach out … we’ll help you succeed!
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